The deep-rooted and complex animosity between Iran and Israel has been a defining factor in shaping Middle Eastern regional politics for decades, often influencing U.S. policy along the way. At first glance, their hostility might appear surprising. After all, Iran is not an Arab state; it lies hundreds of miles from Israel and has historically avoided direct military confrontation with its counterpart. Yet, since the early 1990s, tensions between the two nations have steadily escalated, becoming a key element of the region's political landscape.
In his work, Dr. John Ghazvinian, an accomplished historian, explores the intricate historical relationship between Iran, Israel, and the United States. His book America to Iran: From 1720 to the Present examines the factors that have fueled this enduring conflict and provides an insightful analysis of how it has contributed to the geopolitical dynamics we witness today. Through his research, Ghazvinian sheds light on the historical underpinnings of the Iran-Israel rivalry and its implications for contemporary Middle Eastern and global politics.
Historical Context of Iran-Israel Relations and its Implications
In 1948, Iran opposed Israel's creation but maintained informal ties under the Shah, including Israeli assistance in training SAVAK, Iran’s secret police, from the 1950s to 1970s. Hostility between the two nations stems more from geopolitical and ideological tensions than direct conflicts, as they share no borders or territorial disputes. Iran’s Persian identity, distinct from its Arab neighbors, adds another layer of complexity.
Dr. Ghazvinian warns against simplifying these tensions as solely about religion, emphasizing the importance of politics and history. The 1973 Arab oil embargo indirectly impacted Iran’s relations with Israel and the U.S., spurring Iran’s military spending and reinforcing its role as a vital U.S. ally during the Cold War. Despite rhetorical support for Arab causes, Iran under the Shah sold oil to both the West and Israel, stabilizing global supplies and aligning with U.S. efforts to counter Soviet influence.
A 1972 visit by President Nixon and Henry Kissinger secured Iran unrestricted access to U.S. military hardware, boosting American defense contractors and cementing Iran as a strategic ally before the 1979 Revolution. This legacy continues to shape perceptions of Iran’s regional role.
The 1980s brought the Iran-Contra Scandal, where the Reagan administration secretly sold weapons to Iran, despite an embargo, to fund the Nicaraguan Contras. This scandal tarnished the administration and highlighted the complexities of U.S.-Middle East relations.
Iran’s shifting interactions with Israel and the U.S., from cooperation to neutrality to hostility, illustrate the nuanced geopolitics of the Middle East and their lasting influence on modern policy.
The Iranian Revolution and Its Impact on U.S. - Iran Relations
The rise of Ayatollah Khomeini in the years leading up to the Iranian Revolution of 1979 marked the beginning of a profound shift in U.S.-Iran relations, culminating in a complete diplomatic rupture. On November 4, 1979, a group of Iranian students seized the U.S. Embassy in Tehran, holding 52 American diplomats and citizens hostage for a tense 444-day standoff. This act of aggression followed the overthrow of the Shah and the establishment of the Islamic Republic of Iran, which marked a clear and permanent break with the West. Khomeini condemned the United States for its support of the Shah’s authoritarian regime, accusing it of undermining Iran’s sovereignty. In response, the U.S. imposed severe economic sanctions on Iran and severed all diplomatic ties, a move that fueled anti-American sentiment across the Middle East and contributed to the escalation of proxy conflicts in the region.
Jewish Presence in Iran During the Iran- Iraq War
Despite the upheaval of the Islamic Revolution, Iran maintained its ancient Jewish community, the largest in the Middle East outside of Israel, and this period saw the Islamic Republic draw a clear distinction between Zionism and Judaism. Synagogues and Jewish schools continue to operate in the country today. Under the new regime, religious minorities received constitutional protections, with guaranteed parliamentary representation for Jews, Zoroastrians, Armenian Christians, and Assyrian Christians.
Although many Jews chose to emigrate following the revolution, a significant number remained in Iran, comforted by Ayatollah Khomeini’s public stance that differentiated Zionism from Judaism. Khomeini expressed opposition to Zionism but affirmed that Jews were an integral part of Iranian society and history. During the Iran-Iraq War, many religious minorities, including Jews, participated in the conflict, with the Iranian government honoring their contributions. A mural commemorating martyrs from the war, for example, included 13 Jewish-Iranian soldiers, symbolizing the government's effort to present the war as a unifying cause for all Iranians.
However, the portrayal of the war as a national rallying point further deepened Iran's diplomatic rift with several Western powers, including the United States, which supported Iraq’s stance in the conflict. This division further isolated Iran on the global stage.
The 1990s and On
In the 1990s, the Arab-Israeli peace process led to Iran’s growing isolation, prompting the country to retaliate by supporting groups such as Hamas and Hezbollah. This strategic involvement positioned Iran as a significant player in the Palestinian conflict, while Israel used Iran as a scapegoat to justify its violent actions. This mutual demonization between Iran and Israel prompted a shift in U.S. foreign policy, particularly concerning its relations with Iran and its varying stance on supporting or opposing Palestine.
The importance of ideology in shaping national strategic interests became increasingly evident during this period. While religion certainly played a role, it is often intertwined with broader strategic and political considerations. Understanding the complex relationship between religion and ideology is crucial in explaining the dynamics of Iran-Israel relations.
In recent years, the Syrian Civil War has altered Iran’s strategic positioning in the region. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia's growing influence in Middle Eastern politics is poised to affect both U.S.-Iran relations and broader prospects for a new phase in Middle East diplomacy.
Understanding historical context to explain current events is of the utmost importance and provides the need for a nuanced understanding of Israel-Iran relations.
Sources
Dr. John Ghazvinian's talk, The United States, Iran, and Israel: The View from History, at the December 11th TCFR luncheon.
Comments